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When you think of Serengeti National Park, the word “iconic” likely comes to mind. If you’ve ever dreamt of embarking on a safari across the vast African continent, chances are you’ve envisioned the golden savannahs of the Serengeti. Known as a place where the land stretches on forever, the Serengeti stands out as one of the top wildlife destinations and one of the most remarkable natural wonders on our planet.
Few places on Earth boast such rich habitats, unspoiled landscapes, and exhilarating wildlife experiences. The Serengeti is home to the greatest wildlife spectacle on the planet, featuring some of the largest concentrations of animals and birds, along with a variety of safari activities. The endless plains of the Serengeti are truly a marvel.
For a unique safari experience in Tanzania, on the land where humanity is believed to have originated, there is no better place than the Serengeti.
Location: Northern Tanzania
Area: 14,763 square kms
Established: 1951
Number Of Visitors: 350,000 per year
Famous For: The Wildebeest Migration
Country: Tanzania
Region: Africa
Located in the northern region of Tanzania, the golden plains of Serengeti National Park cover nearly 15,000 square kilometers. The park lies entirely within the northeastern part of the Simiyu region and the eastern Mara region. The landscapes of the Serengeti Ecosystem are incredibly diverse, ranging from savannahs and open grasslands to hilly woodlands and riverine forests. This variety is due to the extreme weather conditions, particularly the combination of heat and wind.
The habitats of the Serengeti are believed to have originated from volcanic activity, which shaped the ecosystem by adding craters and mountains to the landscape. The Mara River, flowing from the Kenyan highlands to Lake Victoria, is the only river in the Serengeti ecosystem that flows permanently. This river is famous for its dramatic migration crossings.
Over 300 species of plants are recorded in the Serengeti, including 15 alien species that are distributed throughout the park. The Serengeti is particularly famous for its acacia trees and sausage trees, which are easily spotted during game drives across the vast savannahs from your safari vehicle.
Woodlands are commonly found in the northern region of the Serengeti, where the landscape is covered by hills. The Western Corridor is characterized by lush savannahs dotted with acacia trees, and the Grumeti River flows through this area.
The flora of Serengeti National Park is not just visually stunning; it is essential for the wildlife that inhabits the park. Without this rich plant life, a safari in the Serengeti would be a completely different experience. The scenic views would be replaced by dry, barren lands, highlighting the crucial role that the park’s lush greenery plays in sustaining its vibrant ecosystem.
Even though Serengeti is situated in a rather remote corner, accessing the park is fairly easy. Your most suitable option would be to fly into the town of Arusha. There are seven airstrips in the park, so it’ll be very convenient.
Or you could go another way, which is to book a 4WD safari vehicle from Arusha to Serengeti. This way you’ll get an opportunity to visit a couple of other parks along the way. Naturally, you can also choose to combine both these options and book a one-way overland safari and fly back to Arusha.
Getting To Serengeti National Park by air is the most convenient and quick option. You will have a couple of choices if you want to access Serengeti by air.
Imagine never knowing about the Great Wildebeest Migration! Yet, this was once the case. In the early 1900s, explorers described the unbelievable plains of the Serengeti and the enormous numbers of animals found there, which seemed too amazing to be true. This remained the belief for several years until the first photographs of the region were published in the 1920s, leaving everyone stunned by the spectacle.
In 1930, an area of over 2,000 square kilometers was designated as a game reserve, now known as the Southern and Eastern Serengeti. The national park itself was established in 1951, with its headquarters on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. The original park included what is now the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which was separated from the park in 1959 to allow the native Maasai communities to live and graze their cattle without interference.
In 1961, the Masai Mara National Reserve was established in Kenya. Four years later, a permanent corridor called the Lamai Wedge was created between the Mara River and the Kenya border, allowing herds to migrate from the Serengeti savannahs to the Loita plains in the north. The Maswa Game Reserve was also established in 1962.
What was once an undiscovered treasure is now renowned worldwide! The Serengeti was among the first places to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. Now, you can experience the pleasure of exploring the endless plains of the park on safaris to Tanzania.
The extensive ecosystem of Serengeti National Park has many seasonal differences when it comes to weather and climate. The park experiences a cool and dry season from the months of May to August, a warm dry season in September and October, and a wetter hot season from November to April.
Everyone has a belief that Africa is mostly a very hot place, but the temperatures of the Serengeti are moderate and pleasant. It rarely gets uncomfortably hot and temperatures drop during the nighttime and early mornings.
The minimum and maximum temperatures vary according to the seasons. The wet season is generally considered to be the warmest. The following chart will show the average temperatures of Serengeti in more detail.
| Months | Minimum Temperature (in Celsius) | Maximum Temperature (in Celsius) |
| January | 26 | 29 |
| February | 16 | 29 |
| March | 16 | 29 |
| April | 16 | 28 |
| May | 15 | 27 |
| June | 15 | 26 |
| July | 14 | 26 |
| August | 15 | 27 |
| September | 15 | 28 |
| October | 16 | 28 |
| November | 16 | 28 |
| December | 16 | 28 |
GOOD TO KNOW: The average maximum temperatures vary based on elevation: from 15 Celsius around the crater highlands to around 30 Celsius near Lake Victoria.
Two rainfall periods govern the climate of Serengeti National Park. The first to break the grip of the dry season is the short rains, in November and December. Long rains follow soon in the period from March to May.
Though it rarely rains for a whole day, it does rain on most days. These rains turn the landscapes of the plains into vibrant green. This is why the season is referred to as the green season.
| Month | Amount of Rainfall (in mm) |
| January | 80 |
| February | 100 |
| March | 135 |
| April | 160 |
| May | 90 |
| June | 25 |
| July | 15 |
| August | 30 |
| September | 60 |
| October | 70 |
| November | 115 |
| December | 105 |